Artifacts

An artifact is an object made or modified by humans, typically for cultural, historical, or technological purposes. The term is used in archaeology, museology, and related disciplines to refer to objects recovered from archaeological sites as evidence of past human activity. It often contrasts with natural objects that were not shaped by people. Spelling varies: artifact (American English) and artefact (British English).

In archaeology, artifacts are analyzed to infer dating, function, and cultural connections. Researchers record provenance, material, manufacture technique, and wear. Typology and stratigraphic position help establish chronology. Artifacts may include tools, pottery, ornaments, and everyday items; features like hearths or structures are not artifacts but are documented separately. Dating methods such as radiocarbon, dendrochronology, and typological sequences are used.

Beyond archaeology, the term also appears in science and media to describe undesired effects or distortions in data and images, known as artifacts. Examples include compression artifacts in digital images, MRI artifacts in medical imaging, and signal processing artifacts. In software and product development, artifacts are outputs produced during the development process, such as diagrams, models, or test results.

Authenticity, provenance, and conservation are key concerns. Forgeries and misattributions can mislead research; responsible collection practice emphasizes documentation, legality, and repatriation when appropriate. Proper conservation preserves materials and enables future study.

Overall, artifacts are tangible traces of human activity, valuable for understanding history, culture, technology, and daily life. They span museum collections, scientific research, and digital media, illustrating how people shaped and interacted with their environment.